In 2014 I completed thirty years studying and teaching Karate. In karate there is so much that you can learn, so it’s never boring. The trick is to find an interesting style and a good school, and you get both of those at AKDMK. In the early eighties a work colleague took me along to train with Tony Christian. Tony was probably a 4th Dan at that time and the classes were a bit wild. His philosophy, and one that I’ve followed, is to have a go at any martial art you can and then integrate the best bits into your own Karate. So, we did Kick Boxing, Muay Thai, stick fighting, wrestling and even Sumo as well as the classic Go-Ju-Ryu Karate. Tony learned his Go-Ju from people like Teruo Chinnen and Gary Spires but has always kept to the maxim that you do this to be able to look after yourself, and I ensure that we continue that tradition at ADKMK.

Tom Finchett started karate in 1989, initially training in Wado-Ryu and then Shotokan for many years, to 2nd Dan level. Sensei Tom started Go-Ju-Ryu some 10 years ago, attracted by the combination of hard and soft techniques and the practical applications of the style for self defence. Tom has also trained over a number of years in Wing Chun and Krav Maga. Training sessions are based very much on traditional karate, with emphasis on basic techniques, kata, bunkai (practical application) and partner work, with sparring and partner drills.

Brian Weedon has been with Hagakure Karate for many years andwith over 30 years experience in the Martial Arts, starting from when he was 13 years old. Sensei Brian has boxed, studied several styles of Karate (including Wado-Ryu and Shotokan as well as Go-Ju-Ryu). Previousy he has aslo trianed in Tang-Soo-Do and Tae-Kwon-Do as well as Ju-Jitsu and Aikido, and Kick-Boxing. Sensei Brian also majored in Unarmed Combat as well as Arrest and Restraint techniques during his time with the British Army. They also taught me, alongside the usual modern soldiers’ weapons, how to use the Khukuri  or Ghurka knife.

Brian’s sessions combine elements from all the styles he has studied with fitness and strengthening methods and self defence, armed and unarmed combat, learned during his time in the  British Army.

Sarah Hill been training in Goju Ryu Karate with Hagakure Karate from 10 years old. Along with Goju, Sensei Sarah has experience in the kobudo side of karate (weapons, like bo staff, Japanese sword, etc.)- as well as archery . Sarah comments that martial arts has helped herto grow in many ways and, paired with the wonderful group of people we have at the club, I would honestly choose no better style in terms of training and practical self defence. Sarah is currently living in Japan.

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Matt Birch started training at Goju Ryu Karate MK in 2007, and have learnt various applicationsof this karate from a number of different instructors. Sensei Matt is a master of the combination of the essence and 'beauty' of Okinawan Goju Ryu, being the balance of the hard and soft techniques, and how it can be made to suit anyone.